PNR Status

What is a PNR Number?

The main component involved in knowing the reservation updates is PNR (Passenger Name Record) number. PNR number comes up with every ticket purchased. It is 10 digit number printed on top left hand corner of the ticket. This number gives you whole details about your journey. This number can help you in case you lost your tickets as well. Showing PNR number is sufficient to the TTE (Traveler Ticket Examiner) during the journey. TTE tally the number with the reservation chart and when the match is found seat is allotted to you.

PNR is only generated when you will book a ticket, be it online or through your nearest railway reservation counter. Some information like name of passenger or passengers traveling in the group, ticketing details, etc. are required by the CRS (Computer Reservation System) while booking a ticket. When PNR status is checked by a passenger will get to know about whether the ticket is being confirmed or not, or it has been placed in waiting list or RAC (Reservation against cancellation) category.

How to Check PNR Status of your Train Ticket?

There are several ways through which you can check PNR Status of your reserved ticket within a fraction of seconds. Below, I am going to illustrate few best suited methods that you can use for examining reservation status of your Indian railway and IRCTC ticket.

Railway PNR Status Enquiry through Web

As per my ease, I prefer online method as I find it simplest of all the methods. These are reliable websites which you can use for your enquiry.

o www.GetPNRStatus.co.in

All you need to do is, simply go to the PNR Status tab and enter the allotted ticket PNR number in the given input box and press the "Go" button. The moment you press the button, your current booking status will appear on the screen of your corresponding device. Passengers from several zones whether it's southern, northern, and central or any other railway zone can get to know the current status of their reservations using this website.

o Indian Railway and IRCTC Website

PNR status can be checked online easily through the official Indian railway: www.indianrail.gov.in or IRCTC website: www.irctc.co.in. On the website, you just need to go to the PNR section which is available on the homepage itself. There insert the 10-digit PNR number and click on "Go" button. Within a few seconds current reservation status update will appear on your screen.

Check PNR Status by SMS

Nowadays people are more cling to messaging. IRCTC has also come up with the messaging system for getting status update of your ticket. You just need to send SMS to any of these numbers 139, 54959, 57886, 5676747 and they will reply you with your current status updates. For example: SMS "PNR space 10-digit ticket PNR No." to any of those number.

PNR Enquiry through Phone Calls

You can also simply dial to 139 from your landline or cell phone and follow the procedure given by IVR to get the PNR update. You have to provide them your PNR when asked and your status will be communicated to you.

PNR Status Enquiry using Mobile Applications

In this latest tech world where even banking is also done through app, getting PNR Status updates through app is no less here. You will find numerous apps that let you check current status of your ticket from your smartphone. These apps are available for various platforms like iOS, Android, Symbian and Windows Smartphone. You can easily get these apps in their respective online stores (iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone Apps).

Ticket Enquiry at Railway Stations

If you are not tech savvy or don't find above methods reliable, then you can go to your nearby railway station to inquire. There you will see number of computerized machines which will help you in checking your current PNR status in just a few seconds.

Indian Railway Ticket Acronyms and Abbreviations Explained

Checking Ticket PNR Status has become so easy mainly due to the frequent launch of countless online portals and mobile apps but still some individuals get stuck as they do not understand the many abbreviations present in the train ticket. There are many people who check the ticket status with the help of assigned PNR No. but fail to understand what it means. Some abbreviations are elaborated below will help you to understand the status of your railway ticket.

CAN/MOD: It appears on your screen when checking reservation status, if you or your agent has cancelled the ticket. It indicates that your ticket has been cancelled or modified.

CNF: If you get CNF as your abbreviation while checking your ticket status, then your ticket has been confirmed.

RAC: It stands for "Reservation against Cancellation". On getting RAC as your ticket status, it is certain that you have been allowed to travel in your chosen class. However, you might just have to get satisfied with sitting facility and not a complete berth. If you are lucky, you might also get the berth due to last minute cancellation. Otherwise, mostly the RAC ticket holders get the opportunity to occupy only the two side chair that can be converted into berth, if required.

WL: While PNR Enquiry, you might also get WL as your ticket status. It means your seats has not been confirmed and you will have to wait for its confirmation. If some other passengers (RAC ticket holders) cancel their tickets, then you might get the seat.

RAC/WL: This status might look a bit confusing, but it is not. Basically, it tells us about our reservation status at the time of ticket booking and the current status. For instance, WL50/WL45. Here, the first status (WL50) is of booking time and the second one (WL45) is the current status of your ticket.

CK: It indicates that your ticket has been reserved under tatkal scheme. According to the Indian railways rules, one can book a tatkal ticket 24 hours before the journey. You get a seat and coach number with CK as your status after your ticket gets confirmed.

CKWL: This PNR status is simply a combination of tatkal and waiting list. Thus, it stands for tickets in waiting list under tatkal booking. The major difference between CKWL and WL is that when a ticket under tatkal waiting gets confirmed; you will be allocated confirm seat whereas general waiting moves to the RAC.

PQWL: It is an abbreviation for Pooled Quota Wailing List. It is simply one of the types of waiting list. This abbreviation appears on your screen while ticket enquiry if you have booked your ticket via railway quota.

GNWL: This abbreviation stands for ticket under general waiting list. You are not allowed to board on the train with the ticket having GNWL status; until the status turns into the CNF.

REGRET/WL: This abbreviated symbol indicates that further bookings is not permitted. It generally appears at the time of booking the tickets.